Taiwan: the Far East’s hidden gem

Taiwan: the Far East's hidden gem

Taiwan has been the secret of the Far East for so long. We're not really sure why. You won't find another place like it, and in a world where one resort is starting to look suspiciously like the other, a one-of-a-kind place is just what you need. With a rich history, plus a young generation embracing all things modern, you won't run out of things to see.

Tainan

We may as well start at the beginning with Tainan: Taiwan's oldest city. Step back in time inside ancient temples, explore the 17th-century Dutch Fort Zealandia and discover the weird and wonderful at buzzing night markets. This city is the perfect example of a modern generation celebrating the old along with the new.

Kenting National Park

Taiwan's an island, so a dose of sand and surf is only natural. In Kenting National Park, you'll be greeted with golden beaches, turquoise waters and rich coral reefs ready to explore. Have a "Zen" moment by a mirror-still lake, crane your neck at the rising mountains and discover the natural phenomenon of gas fires at Cho-Huo (hot enough to hard-boil an egg, which the locals do, naturally).

Taipei

From ancient shrines to towering buildings, Taipei is a fascinating place. Visit the Martyr's Shrine to see the hourly change of the guards. They're trained to look like expressionless statues, so don't expect them to smile for the camera. In the evening, Shilin's night market explodes with exotic smells rising from each of the local stalls, selling every kind of food imaginable. The labels might be a bit hard to read for a non-local, so tuck in to some of the delicacies and get acquainted with this fantastic city by taste.

Yangmingshan National Park

Majestic mountains, billowing fields of grass and verdant rain forests... Not your first thoughts when you think of the Far East. But in Yangmingshan National Park outside Taipei, you can enjoy the lush greenery along with some seriously hot springs, so bring your swimmers. First timers will want to look for the cooler iron-sulphur pools, but if you consider yourself a bit thicker skinned, see how you fare in the hot white-and-green sulphur pools. This is the ultimate way to relax and soak up 'alternative Asia'.

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is the pearl of Taiwan. Surrounded by Chinese temples and beautiful gardens, there is much to experience. Nearby there is a town called Puli, famed for its clean, refreshing water, and home to Taiwan's (allegedly) prettiest women (all that pure water has its benefits). Visit the Chung Tai Buddhist Monastery, a modern masterpiece designed by the same architects as Taipei's 101 skytower. If you want to learn about the indigenous people, visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. Sun Moon Lake is full of history and colourful culture: you really should experience it for yourself.

Yushan Mountain

Yushan Mountain is also referred to as Jade Mountain. In the winter the peak often shines like stainless jade because of the snowfall that covers it. Hence the name. It's Taiwan's highest mountain, standing tall at 3,950 metres high, and made up of 11 peaks. Don your hiking boots and climb Taiwan's highest peak to experience the breathtaking views that go on for miles.

Toroko National Park

Calling all adrenaline junkies. Toroko National Park is choc-a-block with enormous cliff faces, marble-walled canyons, cascading waterfalls and luscious jungle. Toroko literally means magnificent and beautiful'. It's all in the name. The perfect playground; explore the magnificent Toroko Gauge, or perhaps if you are feeling more adventurous try white-water rafting on the awe-inspiring rapids of the Hsui-Ku-Luan River.

Su-Hua Highway

Everyone loves a road trip. So while in Taiwan, drive along the Su-Hua Highway. Undoubtedly Taiwan's jewel  let your eyes feast on the beautiful scenic coastline and the aqua-marine waters of the Pacific Ocean. At the first stop by the Cingshui Cliffs, pay a visit to the aboriginal villages. Your guide will translate their stories and legends before you head on to Su-Ao fishing port, which has one of the best natural harbours in Taiwan. Sample some of the freshly caught delicacies or cool-off in the nearby cold springs that Su-Ao is famous for.

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